Timing is Everything to be a Physician

The medical school work is getting more do-able this semester; however the load work is adding on more and more. I stay consistent as I study every day. There is no reason not to study. As a student in the Caribbean the ECFMG will expect a bit more work from us than a US medical graduate. I called home recently and found out several of the students I went to college with, and who are married, just had babies. Others are just getting engaged or getting married. Sometimes I ask myself, which life will I have?

I question myself if I should have a family life or a life in which I concentrate on my career. Most of the time it’s not a matter of choice because I’m South Asian (Desi) and we are pressured to get married once we’re done with our education. I doubt I will have a family life due to my pursue of becoming a US Physician with a specialty/sub-specialty.

I called the Saint James Medical School headquarters in Chicago. They gave me a timeline of what needs to be done at what time span.

16 Months (Basic Science Courses)

1. Histology

2. Embryology

3. Medical Ethics

4. Human Gross Anatomy

5. Neuro-Anatomy

6. Biochemistry

7. Physiology

8. Medical Genetics

9. Pharmacology

10. Microbiology

11. Psychology

12. Pathology I

13. Pathology II

14. Epidemiology

15. Physical Diagnostics Introduction

6 Months (Break)

1. Study for and write for the USMLE Step 1.

2. Submit PASSING score to the Chicago Office.

2-3 Weeks

Wait several weeks for the rotation schedule to begin and to settle down to the location.

After AICM you study by yourself and take the USMLE Step 1 after SJSM clears you.

The time it takes from AICM to clerkship depends on how fast you take the USMLE Step 1. Some students take 6 months, other students take longer than that because they may have financial or family issues to deal with.